The New Forest and Waterside Blog has been created to tell the world about what is happening within the boundaries of the New Forest National Park Hampshire UK and surrounding areas. It is local and will bring you regular news about people, events, attractions, leisure, business etc. There are also many links to Attractions, Places to Visit, Accommodation including BandB, Hotels, Holiday Cottages and Campsites. Enjoy!

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Monday, 18 June 2012

New Forest organisations are cautiously optimistic after reporting that no animals have been hurt in the New Forest for a record-breaking five weeks.

There are around 7,000 ponies, donkeys and cattle roaming free across the Forest and their grazing plays a vital part in shaping the iconic New Forest landscape and maintaining the rare habitats which support internationally rare species.

Although the general trend is a reduction in animal accidents, last year 67 Commoners’ animals were either killed on the roads or had to be put down due to their injuries - two more than 2010.

There was also an increase in the number of animals being injured, which went up from 27 in 2010, to 36 in 2011. Many of the accidents involved local drivers.

Sue Westwood, Clerk to the Verderers and Chair of the Animal Accident Reduction Group, said: ‘We have never had such a long time without any accidents. We hope it’s a sign that people are driving more carefully across the Forest, and giving animals on the verge a wide berth.

‘The risk is still high at this time of year as the foals are being born. They quickly become much more playful than the mares and often gallop about, and cross roads without warning. They are also smaller (and less easy to spot at night), and even “minor” accidents mean they are very likely to be killed outright or be so badly injured that they have to be put down.’

New Forest National Park Member Bob Morris said a wide range of organisations are working together to prevent animals from being killed and injured.

He said: ‘These include practical tasks on the ground such as clearing verges, changing road signs and trialling pinch points. We also work to increase awareness through distributing hotline cards and car window stickers, speaking to people at the New Forest Show and other local events, giving talks to college students and other local groups and holding a school poster competition.’

Animal accident hotline cards tell drivers what to do if you witness or are involved in an accident involving a pony, donkey, cow, pig or sheep. The cards are available from garages and Local Information Points across the New Forest.